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Vegas: Great Cuban sandwich at Florida Cafe

I was in the mood for a Cuban sandwich the other day, so I headed over to the Florida Cafe , located in a Howard Johnson's on Las Vegas Blvd, between the Strip and downtown, a bit north of the Strat.

This is the real deal -- a Cuban restaurant run by Cubans, with lots of Cuban customers. The sandwich had roast pork, ham, and cheese, with pickles and mustard on a standard Cuban roll -- light crispy outside, poofy inside. I had them hold the pickles and add mayo and grilled onions. The sandwich was pressed thin of course. Instead of the usual accompanying fries, I opted for plantain chips (mariquitas) served with a tasty garlic sauce.

Probably the best Cuban I've had -- great flavor, quality ingredients. Nice service, pleasant coffee-shop atmosphere. The waiter made me a fresh-squeezed limeade even though it wasn't on the menu.

Florida Cafe is one of the few places we must eat at when in Vegas. The ropa vieja is always spot on. The pork roast can be a little dry but the flavor is good. Love the rice & beans, I could eat that everyday. Oh, & the tres leches cake, my favorite cake ever!I haven't tried Rincon Criollo, but am thinking I will next time I'm in Vegas.